Manchester United Midfielder Set for Summer Exit - Report

Sir Alex Ferguson will reportedly offload midfielder Anderson from Manchester United's ranks in the summer.

The Brazilian, who arrived from Porto in a £17m move in 2007, has not really managed to establish himself either at Old Trafford or in his national team. The 24-year-old has struggled for form and fitness this season as well, once again failing to earn a regular spot in the Red Devils' midfield.

Although veteran Paul Scholes is likely to retire at the end of the ­season and Darren Fletcher continues to struggle with his bowel condition, Anderson will still be behind Michael ­Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Shinji Kagawa and Ryan Giggs in Ferguson's pecking order. And, according to the Mirror, the player is set to leave United in the summer and could be in line for a return to Portugal.

Anderson, whose last appearance for Brazil was back in 2008, has two goals and five assists to his name from 21 appearances in all competitions for United this season. Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror reports Anderson may not be the only departure from Old Trafford this summer.

Out-of-favour winger Nani continues to stall on a new deal, with just over a year left on his contract and United could be forced to accept a reasonable bid for him, rather than letting the Portuguese winger leave as a free agent in 2014.

The situation of Chicharito, who is looking for more game time, will also be evaluated at the end of the season, while back-up left-back Alexander Buttner and No 2 stopper Anders Lindegaard could come under ­scrutiny as well.

Ferguson: We Won't Get Complacent

Ferguson has warned United not to get complacent, after they opened up a 15-point gap at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday.

A Wayne Rooney goal in the first half secured all three points for the Red Devils at Old Trafford, while second-placed Manchester City lost 2-0 to Everton at Goodison Park a few hours before.

"You don't get points and medals for being complacent and we won't be. I think, before the game, we always thought that winning was the important thing. It wasn't a great performance but where we are now is not down to today, but the last six months. The team has shown great consistency and played a lot of great football," the Scot said.